Living with depression can feel overwhelming, especially when traditional antidepressant medications have not provided enough relief. When you are experiencing treatment-resistant depression or depressive symptoms associated with other specific mental health conditions, it is important to understand what to expect with SPRAVATO and how it may offer a different path forward.
At The Nexus Group, we provide comprehensive outpatient mental health services to support your needs and meet your goals. Our team offers psychopharmacology and medication management, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and SPRAVATO treatment in a welcoming, patient-centered environment.
If you want to consider SPRAVATO, understanding what to expect helps you feel more confident about your next steps.
What Is SPRAVATO?
SPRAVATO is a prescription nasal spray containing esketamine, a medication approved by the FDA for adults with treatment-resistant depression. It may also be prescribed for adults with major depressive disorder who experience acute suicidal thoughts or behaviors when used alongside an oral antidepressant.
Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take several weeks to produce noticeable results, SPRAVATO works differently within the brain and may help you experience improvement more quickly.
Because SPRAVATO has specific safety requirements, it is only administered in certified healthcare settings under the supervision of trained professionals.
Who Could Benefit From SPRAVATO?
SPRAVATO may be recommended for adults who have tried multiple antidepressant medications without achieving adequate symptom relief. During your initial appointment, we review your medical history, current symptoms, previous treatments, and overall health. We will also help you understand what to expect with SPRAVATO treatment and whether SPRAVATO is an appropriate option for you.
We may also discuss how SPRAVATO can complement other treatments, including ongoing medication management, psychotherapy, or TMS. Your experience with depression is different from other people’s, which is why individualized treatment planning is an important part of your care.
What Happens During a SPRAVATO Appointment?
Your SPRAVATO appointment begins with a check of your vital signs and a brief review of how you have been feeling since your last visit.
You then self-administer the nasal spray under the supervision of your healthcare team. Afterward, you stay at the office so our professional team can monitor you for at least 2 hours.
During these two hours, our care team observes you for potential side effects, which may include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, changes in blood pressure, or temporary feelings of dissociation. These effects are generally short-lived and typically resolve before you leave the office.
Because SPRAVATO can temporarily affect your alertness and coordination, you need to arrange transportation home after each appointment and should not drive or operate heavy machinery until the next day.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
You can expect your SPRAVATO treatment schedule to vary based on your needs and your provider’s recommendations. You might begin with a more frequent treatment schedule during the first several weeks, followed by maintenance appointments that happen less often over time.
We closely monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed based on your response to treatment. This helps you achieve the best possible outcomes.
Open communication is another essential part of the process. Sharing your experiences, improvements, and concerns with our care team allows us to better customize your treatment so it is as effective as possible.
Taking the Next Step to Understand What to Expect with SPRAVATO
Beginning a new treatment can feel like a significant decision, but you do not have to navigate it alone. At The Nexus Group, we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care through personalized outpatient services.
If you are interested in discovering what to expect with SPRAVATO and whether the medication may be right for you, schedule an appointment with our team to discuss your treatment options and create a plan that supports your mental health goals.